Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Retirement annuity

Life insurance

Professional training & growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist for a fully remote role. You will ensure adherence to financial regulations across operations, monitor regulatory changes, and develop robust compliance strategies in a high-responsibility position.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in regulatory/compliance within financial services and deep knowledge of SA frameworks such as FAIS, FICA, and POPIA.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Postgraduate diploma or certification in compliance or regulatory affairs is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in regulatory affairs, compliance, or legal within financial services.
• Deep knowledge of South African financial regulations (FAIS, FICA, POPIA) and related frameworks.
• Proven experience developing and implementing regulatory compliance strategies and frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and advise on evolving national and international financial regulations relevant to the business.
• Develop, implement, and maintain regulatory compliance programs and policies.
• Conduct compliance assessments and audits to identify risks and improvement areas.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, respond to inquiries, and manage reporting.
• Provide guidance to business units on regulatory implications of new products and initiatives.
• Oversee AML/CTF frameworks and their effectiveness.
• Manage regulatory reporting obligations for timeliness and accuracy.
• Develop and deliver staff training on regulatory compliance requirements.
• Lead investigations into potential breaches and recommend corrective actions.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and regulatory trends to ensure proactive compliance.

Education

Master's degree in Law/Finance/Business Administration

Postgraduate diploma or certification in compliance/regulatory affairs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished financial services provider, is actively seeking a Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist for a fully remote position. This critical role involves ensuring the organization's strict adherence to all applicable financial regulations and compliance standards across its diverse operations. You will be instrumental in monitoring regulatory changes, interpreting complex legislation, and developing robust compliance strategies. The ideal candidate will possess an in-depth understanding of South African financial regulatory frameworks, exceptional analytical skills, and a proactive approach to risk mitigation. This remote-first opportunity allows you to significantly impact the company's compliance posture and operational integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, interpret, and advise on evolving national and international financial regulations relevant to the company's business.
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive regulatory compliance programs and policies.
• Conduct regular compliance assessments and audits to identify potential risks and areas for improvement.
• Liaise directly with regulatory bodies, responding to inquiries and managing reporting requirements.
• Provide expert guidance to business units on regulatory implications of new products, services, and strategic initiatives.
• Oversee the implementation and effectiveness of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) frameworks.
• Manage the company's regulatory reporting obligations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Develop and deliver training materials to staff on regulatory compliance requirements.
• Lead investigations into potential compliance breaches and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging regulatory trends to ensure proactive compliance.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Law, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A postgraduate diploma or certification in compliance or regulatory affairs is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a regulatory affairs, compliance, or legal role within the financial services industry.
• Deep and current knowledge of South African financial regulations, including FAIS, FICA, POPIA, and related legislative frameworks.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing effective regulatory compliance strategies and frameworks.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex regulatory requirements clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a remote work setting.
• Experience in liaising with regulatory authorities and managing compliance audits.
• High degree of integrity and professional ethics.

Benefits

This remote role offers a highly competitive salary and a performance-based bonus structure.

• private medical aid
• a retirement annuity
• life insurance

Our client is committed to employee development, offering access to continuous professional training and growth opportunities. As a fully remote position, it provides unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance, allowing you to contribute significantly to a leading financial institution from any location.